Bristol Rovers have a golden opportunity to progress to the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, taking on National League side Boreham Wood at the Memorial Stadium.
It is the maiden meeting between the two sides, with Bristol Rovers currently playing two divisions higher than their opponents in League One.
Match preview
© Reuters
After securing automatic promotion to the third tier in dramatic fashion on the final day last season, Bristol Rovers seem to have handled the step-up well, currently 15th in the standings.
There was an initial adjustment period for the Gas, winning just two of their 11 opening games, but they have really managed to kick on since the start of October, and they have now lost just one of their last 13 in all competitions.
During this time, Joey Barton's side progressed to this stage of the FA Cup courtesy of a 1-0 home victory against Rochdale, with veteran forward Scott Sinclair bagging the only goal of the game.
Rovers have performed well in cup competitions so far, and they secured their place in the last 16 of the EFL Trophy last time out, winning 2-1 away at Colchester United.
It appeared as if the game was heading for penalties after a James Connolly opener was cancelled out by a late Freddie Sears effort, but Harvey Saunders struck in injury time to seal the Gas' spot in the next round.
Boreham Wood are 10th in the National League standings, just two points off the playoff places, with a game in hand on seventh-placed Solihull Moors at their disposal.
While manager Luke Garrard will be pleased that his side are still very much in contention, the slump in form that has taken place in recent weeks will be alarming, as they have only really seemed to show up in the FA Cup.
In their last eight games, the Wood have won just twice, with both of these coming in cup ties, defeating Wealdstone 5-3 and Eastleigh 3-1 to reach this point in the competition.
Goals do not seem to be an issue in cup games, but they have been hard to come by in the league recently, as Garrard's men have netted just once in their last four matches, in a 1-1 home draw against York City.
Last time out, the same old woes in front of goal were on show again as Boreham Wood fell to a 1-0 defeat away at Halifax Town, and this is an area that they must improve if they stand any chance of reaching the third round on Sunday.
- W
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Jed Ward remains injured with a broken hand, and veteran between the sticks Anssi Jaakkola was brought off with a dead leg against Colchester, so James Belshaw should get the nod in goal.
There are set to be a few more alterations made to the side that started on Wednesday night, with Jordan Rossiter returning in the centre of midfield, replacing Luke McCormick.
Lewis Gordon should come in at left-back, having been rested last time out, replacing Trevor Clarke, while Scott Sinclair may feature instead of John Marquis on the right wing.
In attack, Joshua Coburn is set to get the nod ahead of Ryan Loft, partnering Harvey Saunders, who should keep his place after scoring the winner in the last match.
For Boreham Wood, Kyron Gordon has started ahead of defender David Stephens in recent matches, who has been missing with an unknown issue, and Garrard should stick by the 20-year-old.
Tyrone Marsh and Lee Ndlovu have both netted on five occasions in the National League this season, and the duo are poised to lead the line for the away side.
Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:
Belshaw; Connolly, Thomas, Gibson; Sinclair, Rossiter, Finley, Gordon, Evans; Saunders, Coburn
Boreham Wood possible starting lineup:
Ashmore; Coxe, Evans, Fyfield, Gordon, Ilesanmi; Brunt, Broadbent, Payne; Marsh, Ndlovu
We say: Bristol Rovers 3-0 Boreham Wood
Not only do two leagues separate Sunday's opponents, but Boreham Wood come into the game in very poor form. As such, Bristol Rovers should progress to the next round in comfortable fashion.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
